BANGOR, Maine — Penobscot County and Eastern Maine Development Corp. have been awarded $770,988 to conduct a two-year study that would assess transportation needs and assets of the region.

The funding is being made available through the second round of grants from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, program under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“We all know that it can be a challenge for people in rural areas to access the services they need,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This comprehensive study will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the regional transportation system and help make a data-driven recommendation for future improvements.

“Transportation infrastructure investments help create jobs, make our businesses more competitive and move our economy forward,” Michaud said. “This project will help make sure those investments are made strategically and provide the best bang for the buck for the region.”

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According to EMDC, the project will be performed with the goal of connecting rural communities to Bangor and Brewer, the services hubs for the region. The initiative was developed through Mobilize Maine, a collaborative economic development effort that works to create opportunities and projects that benefit the 21 communities of Greater Bangor.